My Long Story

Join us for our 10th Annual

Get Out Girl Surf & Paddle Jam

In Honor and Memory of Travis County Female First Responders 

Kristin McLain & Jessica Hollis

SURF Jam Saturday and/or PADDLE Jam Sunday!

Both are all-female fundraising events dedicated to empowering and inspiring women and girls of all ages to Get Out, Get Active, and Get Connected - to ourselves, others, our community, and water while experiencing the science that #waterismedicine and being outdoors and on the water is a powerful benefit to body, mind, and spirit.

All proceeds and donations from this event go directly to OpGetOut, a 501c3 nonprofit that provides intentional nature and water outings, events, and retreats for first responders, military, nurses, and surviving family members for positive mental and emotional wellness impact.

Please join our cause either as a participant or virtual surfer or paddler in either or both events, or as a sponsor or donor - and share the opportunity!

In addition to the donations received for entry, our goal is to share the experience and show our support to our female first responders, nurses, military, veterans, and surviving partners with complimentary participation for those without the means to do so. Your additional donations and fundraising are greatly appreciated to help make this happen.

SURF Jam Saturday Sept. 30

This event is for all levels and ages of riders: for those who want to learn the sport of wake surfing and be helped and supported by other women or for those that already have a love of wake surfing and want to share the ride with others. Includes weekend event t-shirt, Centurion professional wakesurf boats, equipment, all-female coaches, post-event food and drinks and admission to Sunday's weekend After Party!

PADDLE Jam Sunday Oct. 1

This, our 10th Annual event, is a non-competitive, community event of up to 3.5 supported hours on the water where you can paddle 1-11 miles with different options (listed below). Includes weekend event t-shirt, finisher's bracelet, and our exclusive weekend After Party with DJ Coy, food, drinks, Poker Run prizes, raffle, and auction. Family and friends welcome!

• Exclusive Learn to Paddle on the Water Clinics! No previous paddle skills are necessary! Your designated Paddle Ambassador will assist, coach, and be with you and your group the entire time to encourage and support you! You will start with board skills and drills and basics right on the beach then head into the lake - seated, on your knees, or on your feet - no right, wrong, or judgment! We’re here for fun and community. Your ambassador will be with the group to assist the entire time with no specific distance for these groups - just good times together and on the water with group consensus when to float, paddle, go and return.

• “Paddle Out” Flowers to drop in memory of someone or something significant! Every paddler will be given a flower to drop when they feel led to do so during their time on the water. Paddle Out's are a surfers way of remembering, recognizing and/or honoring someone or significant moments in our lives.

• 11 Mile Dam Distance Paddle! Those of you wanting to paddle round trip, a full distance of approximately 11 miles to Mansfield Dam and Jessica Hollis Park, can enjoy a quick mimosa and turn around to return to the starting point by noon. If you’re falling behind, don’t worry - our towboats and personal watercraft are prepared and instructed to help you along so everyone is safe and sound at the finish by noon.

• On The Water Poker Run! Get your five-card draw at any one of the points along the way OR get multiple draws at any one-stop. Prizes at the After Party!

• Multiple sponsored Snack Stops at designated mile markers to keep you moving and motivated! Can you say cold brew coffee and more?

• Paddle Ambassadors every mile!

NEARBY LODGING OPTIONS:

Hyatt Place Austin / Lake Travis / Four Points, 7300 N FM 620, Austin, TX 78726, (512) 369-3120

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Austin NW - Four Points, 8300 N FM 620 Building I, Austin, TX 78726, (512) 610-5700

Residence Inn by Marriott Austin Lake Travis/River Place, 6608 River Place Blvd, Austin, TX 78730, (512) 735-9300

Both Surf and Paddlejam are held annually in honor and memory of two amazing, impactful, and fearless women, Travis County First Responders Kristin McLain and Jessica Hollis, both of whom committed their lives to serve others while utilizing the water for their own positive mental and physical wellness impact.

Kristin McLain was a Travis County StarFlight rescue nurse and part of starting our first Get Out Girl PaddleJam. She was a true Get Out Girl who spent most of her off time paddling, wake surfing, skiing, and boating on Lake Austin to reset and reconnect after tough shifts as a flight nurse.

Jessica Hollis, Travis County Senior Deputy, utilized our local lakes similarly, spending family time on them for fun, scuba diving, boating, surfing, and personally benefiting from the calming effects of what being on and in the water does for your mind and emotions.

Both of these inspiring women shared a common mind and heart of "blue" that is now being passed forward to touch the lives of others on the water.

Their families and friends have come together to start Operation Get Out (OGO), a 501c3 nonprofit foundation that gives back to first responders, military, nurses, front line workers, veterans, and surviving spouses through scientifically validated Blue Mind experiences and events that give individuals and agencies the opportunity to experience the unlocking and wellness power of being in, near and on the water. All proceeds and donations from Surf & Paddle Jam weekend provide Operation Get Out (OGO) the resources to assist individuals and agencies experiencing stress, illness, depression, anxiety, loss, and PTS.

Surf and Paddle Jam are significant fundraisers that Operation Get Out (OGO) relies on annually to provide #bluemind opportunities for those that sacrifice their lives for us. Your participation and donations are imperative to provide events and outings that are scientifically validated and natural alternative mental wellness tools where #waterismedicine for those that might not reach out or be interested in traditional options to unlock and reset after traumatic experiences, loss, grief, anxiety, and PTS. The tool is natural and simple, while the feedback and testimonials are "life-changing". 

"After our event with Operation Get Out, I came home a more complete person, a better mother, and wife. My mind and heart feel freer from the anxiety and stress that I had carried from years of service."      

~ U.S. Army National Guard